The prep season is back in full swing, and we had plenty of noteworthy performances coming out of an action-packed week zero. While the West Valley favorites all made statements about what was to come this season, the Valley Mission’s reigning champions pulled out an all-time classic to stake their claim near the top of the Valley Sports Telegram’s initial power rankings of the season. Here are the top ten teams in the San Fernando Valley coming out of the first week of action:

1. Birmingham Patriots (1-0)
   The Patriots posted a strong victory over a Southern Section opponent at home to begin the year. The offense looked shaky at times for Birmingham, but the Patriots’ defense showed up in a big way against Hart.
2. Kennedy Cougars (1-0)
   The Cougars showed they have the firepower to play with just about anybody the city has to offer after putting up 59 against Eagle Rock Friday night. The problem was that the defense gave up 56. There is plenty for the Cougars to clean up heading into week one, but it was a thrilling win nonetheless.
3. Granada Hills Highlanders (1-0)
   You can change the players, but the Granada Hills bully of an offense will always remain the same. This team ran the defending East Valley champions out of the building on opening night, and I would venture to guess they will not be the last team this happens to, courtesy of the Highlanders.
4. El Camino Real Royals (1-0)
   The Royals impressed in week zero. They were the only squad in the Valley that could boast a shutout victory coming out of the weekend. They will face a tough test the week when they take on Heritage Christian on the road.
5. Arleta Mustangs (1-0)
   The Mustangs went on the road and pulled out a tough win over a Westchester squad that defeated them last year on opening week. It was not pretty, but it never is for Arleta. That is the way they like it. Look out for this team in the East Valley this season.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1)
   The Cavaliers had a rough go of it in week zero, but the season is still promising. The Cavs were right there in this game, and the 21-0 final score line was not indicative of how close these teams battled for four quarters. The focus this week will undoubtedly be on fine-tuning the mistakes to get ready for a dog fight versus Arleta.
7. Panorama Pythons (1-0)
   The Pythons are one of those programs that are overlooked too often for how consistent and tough they are. This was on display once again as they took home a victory at Chavez Friday night. This team could get off to a flying start this season with very winnable games coming up on the schedule in the next two weeks.
8. Taft Toreadors (1-0)
   The Toreadors have been a program on the rebuild for a few seasons now, and it might be time for a breakthrough. We will see how much progress they have made when they face off against a tough Monroe squad this week.
9. San Fernando Tigers (1-0)
   The Tigers pulled out a nailbiter against Trinity Classical this weekend. Whether it be by one point or 20 points, it does not matter to San Fernando. They will go for a 2-0 start when they host Chavez in their home opener against Chavez this week.
10. Monroe Vikings (1-0)
    The biggest surprise result of week zero came in the form of Monroe’s victory over Chatsworth on Friday night. But then again, maybe it shouldn’t be. This roster is loaded with upperclassmen who have played a lot of football. Their toughness to pull out that win might be a foreshadowing of bigger wins to come. They win on the road at Taft this week, we might have to start talking about the Vikings as one of those teams eyeing down an East Valley title in 2025.